These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are a tasty and colorful side dish! The sweet and savory mix boosts any meal. Plus, the bright lime and fresh cilantro add a wonderful zing!
Honestly, if you haven’t tried sweet potatoes on the grill, it’s time! They get crispy on the outside and soft inside—pure magic! I love serving them with tacos or as a snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes for the best results. If you’re in a pinch, yams can be a good alternative, though they have a slightly different flavor and texture.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a lovely pop of flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a suitable substitution. It won’t have the same zest, but it will still bring a nice freshness to the dish.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my preferred choice for its rich flavor. You can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil if you’re looking for a more neutral taste or have dietary restrictions regarding olive oil.
Lime Juice & Zest: Fresh lime juice and zest work wonders together. If limes aren’t available, lemon juice and zest can be used instead. They’ll give a different but equally refreshing taste!
How Do I Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling sweet potatoes can be tricky if you don’t give them some extra care. Here’s how to get perfectly charred, tender sweet potato wedges every time:
- Preparation: Make sure to wash the sweet potatoes well. Cutting them into even wedges or rounds helps them cook evenly.
- Marinating: Don’t skip the marination step! Letting the sweet potatoes sit in your olive oil and lime mixture helps them absorb those delicious flavors.
- Grilling Temp: Keep your grill at medium heat. Too high a temperature can char them before they’re tender, while too low may dry them out.
- Cooking Time: Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side, but keep an eye on them! Cook until nice and charred but still soft enough to pierce with a fork.
Enjoy the process and don’t hesitate to adjust cooking times based on your grill’s performance!
How to Make Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook on the grill. You’ll enjoy tasty, flavorful sweet potatoes in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures that your sweet potatoes cook evenly and get those nice grill marks!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Next, slice them into wedges or rounds, making them about 1/2 inch thick. This thickness helps them cook through without burning.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add amazing flavor to your sweet potatoes!
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Now it’s time to add the sliced sweet potatoes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together gently so all the sweet potato pieces are coated evenly. Let them sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will help them soak up all the delicious flavors.
5. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Once marinated, place the sweet potato wedges on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be charred and fork-tender, which means they should be nice and soft inside.
6. Add the Finishing Touch:
After grilling, take the sweet potatoes off the grill and sprinkle the chopped cilantro over them while they’re still warm. This will add a fresh, vibrant flavor!
7. Serve:
Serve the grilled sweet potatoes warm and place some lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze the lemon over the sweet potatoes for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your deliciously grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes have a unique flavor, you can use regular potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly based on the type, so watch for tenderness.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes and marinate them up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator after coating them with the marinade. When ready to grill, make sure to let them come to room temperature for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispness, or enjoy them cold in salads!
Can I Use Dried Cilantro Instead of Fresh?
While you can use dried cilantro in a pinch, it’s best to use fresh for maximum flavor. If you do use dried, reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Add it to the marinade for the best flavor infusion!
